Power semiconductor switch clamping circuit

Abstract

A power semiconductor circuit is provided for clamping the voltage across the circuit when a power semiconductor switch is opened (i.e., turned off). The circuit may include a first surge arrester and a first semiconductor switch coupled in parallel with the power semiconductor switch. The first semiconductor switch is coupled in series with the first surge arrester. A second surge arrester may be coupled to the gate of the first semiconductor switch to control current flow through the first semiconductor switch and the first surge arrester.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.